CUMBRERA CLOSURE SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention finds use in the field of ridge caps or roof tops for autonomous structures. More particularly, the present invention is concerned with a ridge cap or roof cap for structures having corrugated metal roofs and ventilated or non-ventilated foam closures. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many types of autonomous structures, particularly commercial buildings, are constructed with roofs formed from corrugated metal panels or sheets. In a building that has a peak roof or gable roof, as opposed to a flat roof, a roof or ridge is placed in the peak. Depending on the requirements of the building, the ridge cap can serve to help in the ventilation of the building, in combination with vents of the roof ridge in the eaves. By its very nature, the surface of a corrugated metal panel has a series of repetitive depressions and crests. When an object, such as the flat joining portions of a ridgepole are placed on top of such depressions and ridges, gaps are formed between the object and the corrugated metal panel. Such spaces are not welcome
Ref .: 158803 due to issues of insulation, exposure to moisture and waste that accumulate in the spaces. Accordingly, it is customary to place a foam band between the ridge attachment portions (fins) and the corrugated roof panels. The foam is usually contoured. on one side to the pattern of the corrugated roof panel and contains an adhesive support. At the construction site, the foam adhesive backing is exposed and the foam is attached to the roof panels. The ridge cap is lined with the foam seal on the corrugated roof and clamped using conventional means known in the art, such as studs or bolts. In-as much as there is no doubt that the foam closure systems of the prior art are functional, they present several problems of use which may interfere with an otherwise uniform installation in the field. The adhesive backing can sometimes be difficult to expose and on exposure can collect dirt, dust and other debris from the work site, leading to problems with adhesion and possible premature wear of the foam or ridge. It can also be difficult to line the exposed adhesive portions of the foam with the roof panels, leading to possible waste of materials and labor to correct misaligned foam parts. Finally, the requirement for corrugated metal panels, foam closures that need to correspond to the shape of the corrugations and ridges, all possibly from separate manufacturers, complicates the ordering and delivery process and leads to confusion in the workplace. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a roof ridge and foam closure that is easy and inexpensive to install in the field. It is another object of the present invention to provide a roof ridge and foam wrap that reduces the likelihood of collecting dust, dirt and undesirable wastes. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a foam closure that is suitable to be coupled with a wide variety of corrugation styles of metal roof panels so as not to be profile sensitive. These and other objects of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention comprises a roof closing system for use with corrugated panel roofs having a ridge and ventilated or non-ventilated foam closures attached thereto, manufactured as a single unit. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the foam closure is formed of a highly malleable foam material, such that the closure can be used with any style of corrugated metal roof panels. It is also contemplated that the foam closures attached to the ridges may be formed from a formed foam corresponding to a particular pattern or style of a corrugated metal roof panel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE Specific modalities have been chosen for purposes of illustration and description and are shown in the attached drawing, which forms part of the specification, wherein: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the ridge closure system of the invention on a roof of metal panels. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED MODALITIES The ridge closure system according to the present invention will be described herein by reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the ridge closure system of the invention on a roof of metal panels. As described in further detail hereinafter, the ridge closure system 10 of the present invention generally consists of a ridge 20 having two or more dependent rims 22 running along the entire length of both sides of the ridge cap and foam closure strips 24 appended to each of the dependent rims 22. The ridge portion 20 of the closure system 10 is constructed of metal conventionally used in metal panel roof constructions, such as galvanized steel, aluminum or copper and it is available preformed from numerous suppliers or can be folded on site during the manufacturing process of the entire closure system 10. As shown in Figure 1, the ridge 20 is generally formed in a triangular or peak shape, although a rounded or flat shape can be used, as determined by the project. The ridges are usually sold and used in 3 meter (10 foot) sections. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the foam closure bands 24 are generally formed from a semi-rigid, flexible cross-linked polyethylene foam, such as is produced by Hibco Plastics, Inc. (Yadkinville, North Carolina) or any other foam material used in the art. Depending on the construction application, the foam closures 24 may be unventilated or ventilated, closed cells or open cells. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the foam closure 24 is formed in an egg cage style, in convolution and is highly malleable, such that it can conform to any corrugation pattern of the corrugated roof panels 28. An advantage of using a malleable foam closure 24, with respect to the prior art is that a contractor needs only to be concerned about ordering the closure system 10 having the appropriate type of ridge 20 and not concerned with ordering the appropriate type. Contoured foam to match the style of corrugated panels that are used in the construction project. Furthermore, the malleable foam 24, as used as part of the system of the invention 10, offers the additional advantage of being able to use different styles of corrugation of corrugated panel 28 on the same roof with a continuous band of foam 24. Of course , the closure system 10 of the present invention functions, although less preferably, using specifically contoured foam corresponding to the contours of the specific corrugated panel 28, as is currently practiced in the art. The closure system 10 of the invention is formed in the factory or another manufacturing facility as a single component, instead of a ridge 20 and foam strips 24 ordered separately and transported to a construction site and assembled by workers exhibiting a adhesive backing, foam 24 and adhere the foam to the roof panels. The closure system 10 can be formed as part of a unit assembly process, wherein the ridge 20 and the foam are mounted on the same line with automated means, such as a manufacturing line or otherwise with minimal human intervention. In an alternative embodiment of the assembly process, the ridge 20 and the foam 24 are manufactured in separate facilities, possibly by unrelated manufacturers, brought together in another manufacturing line, an adhesive is applied to the back of the foam 24 which it is then accurately matched to the ridge cap 20. Either in one or another manufacturing mode, the complete closure system 10 is then ready to be transported to a construction site and used, without concern to line the foam 24 with the roof panels 28 and subsequently lining the ridge 20 with the roof panels 28 and the foam 24. Referring again to Figure 1, a building roof is formed of a series of beams or studs 26, two of which are shown in the section view. A series of corrugated panels 28, commonly made of metal, are fixed to and between the uprights 26. The closure system 10 is placed on the metal panels 28, such that the peak of the ridge 20 is aligned with the roof peak . Then the closure system is attached to the metal panels 28 and the uprights 26 by means of fasteners 30, such as screws, bolts, nails and rivets. After the annexation, the malleable foam 24 conforms to and fills the various depressions and ridges of the corrugated panels 28, forming a strong seal between the ridge 20 and the roof panels 28. In addition to use with ridge caps 20, the present invention is adaptable to base plates and ailerons. It should also be noted that the foam can be placed below the ridge 20 or on top of the base plates or ailerons, depending on the needs of the contractor. In addition to the structures, sequences and uses described immediately above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other modifications and variations may be made to the method of the present invention, without departing from the scope, spirit or teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the intention is that the description of the present invention should be considered as illustrative and the invention will be limited only as specified in the claims and equivalents thereof. It is noted that, in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.